James Swanwick
James Swanwick
Dopamine & Anticipation: How to Swap Craving for Excitement and Rewire Your Brain With Coach Matt
Dopamine & Anticipation: How to Swap Craving for Excitement and Rewire Your Brain With Coach Matt
Dopamine & Anticipation: How to Swap Craving for Excitement and Rewire Your Brain With Coach Matt
Friday 2nd January 2026
Explore dopamine's role in cravings and learn how to rewire your brain with Coach Matt's tips for healthier anticipation.
17 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Motivational
Encouraging
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
James Swanwick
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
644 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Swapping Cravings for Excitement: Coach Matt's Dopamine Secrets
Episode Overview
- Dopamine peaks in anticipation, not during consumption.
- Alcohol spikes dopamine up to 4x, leading to cravings.
- Breathing techniques can shift fear to excitement.
- Visualisation helps in changing mental states.
- Finding new sources of excitement aids in recovery.
"The difference between fear and excitement is breath."
Ever wondered why that first sip of alcohol feels so rewarding? Coach Matt is here to explain the fascinating link between dopamine and anticipation. Dopamine isn't just about the pleasure of the moment; it's all about the build-up. When you expect a reward, like a drink or a delicious treat, dopamine levels soar, creating a sense of excitement. But here's the kicker – once you actually indulge, those levels drop, often leaving you wanting more.
This episode unpacks how alcohol spikes dopamine levels up to four times the norm, leading to a cycle of craving and consumption. Coach Matt offers practical advice on how to harness this anticipation for healthier habits. By consciously cultivating excitement for activities like hobbies or social connections, you can rewire your brain and move beyond the need for alcohol. The episode touches on breathing techniques and visualisation as tools to shift your mindset from fear to excitement.
It's a refreshing take on how anticipation can be your ally in recovery. So, what are you looking forward to today? Coach Matt challenges listeners to find new sources of excitement that don't involve alcohol. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on sobriety and mental well-being.